In partnership with Places Leisure, D2F Fitness has completed works on the creation of a dedicated functional training space as part of the multimillion pound redevelopment of the leisure centre in Camberley Surrey. In addition, D2F has also supplied consumables and storage solutions for a multi-purpose sports hall, 2 group exercise studios and a climate-controlled hot yoga studio.

“This is a project we are really proud to have been a part of”, says John Lofting, MD at D2F Fitness. “The new development is absolutely stunning. The investment in Places Leisure Camberley, formerly the Arena Leisure Centre, completely redefines leisure provision in the area, creating an activity hub that will serve the community for many generations. Whilst D2F only played a small part in the overall project, we have taken our contribution really seriously and are extremely proud of what we have created.”

The dedicated functional training space is integrated into a 845sqm open plan gym, located on the first floor next to the sports hall, that occupies approximately a third of the total training space. The area is defined by equipment rather than physical dividers, helping to reduce barriers and encourage engagement.

A multi-station, D2F exclusive, built-to-order Tesseract rig provides the main frame for activity in the space. John Lofting, MD at D2F, explains. “It was really important that the rig complemented the training space rather than defined it. Places Leisure opted for a grey gloss finish that blends into the environment rather than dominates it. Whilst the rig will undoubtedly play a central role in the utilisation of this space hosting personal training, independent training sessions and small group classes, we have also maintained adequate clear floor space to enable free, independent exercises and movement.”

All equipment storage solutions are also part of the D2F Tesseract range, creating an environment where all components, including the metal works, contribute to the overall functionality and visible impact of the space. D2F has also supplied a versatile prowler to complement the 10m artificial turf track that runs the length of the functional training space.

Most of the functional kit included, such as Kettlebells, boxing gloves, mitts and pads are provided by established US brand TKO Strength and Performance, distributed to the UK exclusively by D2F Fitness.

In the two, 184sqm, group exercise studios, D2F has provided Tesseract storage solutions providing easy accessibility to a selection of exercise equipment including Powerbags, medicine balls, Dumbbells, boxing equipment, Les Mills Pump sets and mats. Each studio is served by a sizeable walk-in storage cupboard housing a range of D2F supplied exercise equipment to accommodate up to 50 class participants.

The third studio has climate control functionality to enable specialist temperature dependent disciplines such as Hot Yoga. Complimentary equipment including mats, blocks and straps have all been provided by D2F.

Finally, in the first floor sports hall, D2F has installed a further selection of Tessseract storage units, in a grey gloss finish which carries the theme throughout. These units provide flexible storage for a range of fitness equipment to extend opportunities to host classes in the sports hall.

Places Leisure commissioned D2F to deliver these works in October of 2019 as part of an official preferred supplier agreement. Following a full site survey and several on-site meetings which took place between January and June 2021, the installation aspect of the project took just four days, from June 1 - June 4, 2021.

John Lofting says: “What sets us apart from many other providers is our end-to-end solution. D2F is accountable for every stage of delivery. For example, rather than outsourcing delivery and installation we employ an in-house crew. Every project, regardless of size or value, is also allocated a project manager who becomes the single point of client contact for all aspects of project delivery from design and install through to product training and ongoing support. The project in Camberley was delivered, on time and on budget, with all gym floor staff fully product trained well in advance of the public opening on July 1.”

Paul McPartlan, Chief Executive at Places Leisure, says: “D2F has been a trusted partner for many years across our entire UK leisure portfolio.The D2F product range, which includes best in class suppliers sourced from around the world, continues to evolve in line with market trends. This is absolutely instrumental in our successful maintenance of a training provision that inspires, motivates and engages across an extremely diverse array of needs. We also really value the professionalism of the project management. Having a dedicated, hands-on project manager, provides us a direct line of contact we can access any time and at any point on the project’s journey, from concept to completion. This improves efficiencies and maintains project flow, helping ensure high standards are met and projects are delivered on time.”

D2F works with a portfolio of leisure clients across the UK, creating inspiring environments that encourage engagement.

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